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Heart disease is affecting a much younger demographic than previously thought. According to a new Dutch study, children as young as 2 years old are exhibiting symptoms of heart disease.

The findings published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, showed that of the 500 children followed between 2005 and 2007, 307 were classed as severely obese. Of the 307 obese children, nearly two-thirds exhibited at least one early symptom of heart disease such as high blood pressure, BBC News reported.

According to BBC News, 2-year-olds with a body mass Iindex greater than 20.5 are classed as severely obese.

Doireann Maddock, the British Heart Foundation senior cardiac nurse, told the Press Association that although the study was small, the findings "leave a bad taste in the mouth," adding that childhood obesity is a huge concern. "However, this is a problem that can be addressed by stopping young people becoming overweight and obese in the first place. Highlighting the importance of healthy eating and physical activity from an early age will help protect the heart health of future generations."